Cracking

Breaking down of film due to high thickness or low curing of plastered surface. Early on, the problem appears as hairline cracks; later, flaking of paint chips occurs.

Causes:

  • Use of a low quality paint that has inadequate adhesion and flexibility.
  • Paint is applied too thick.
  • Poor surface preparation, especially when paint is applied to bare surface without priming.
  • Painting under hot or windy conditions that make water-based paints dry too fast.
  • Low curing of plastered surfaces.
  • Application of fast drying paint over slow drying paint.
  • Application of second coat on semi-dry first coat.

Solution:

  • It is possible to correct cracking that does not go down to the substrate by removing the loose or flaking paint with a scraper or wire brush, sanding to feather edges, priming any bare spots and repainting.
  • The plaster and cement must be fully cured.